For growing families in New South Wales, finding the right vehicle requires ticking all the boxes for safety, practicality, and comfort. And with the bustling, dynamic lifestyle that comes with family life, choosing the perfect SUV is essential in making sure your family enjoys travelling together in both short commutes and long adventures comfortably and securely.
It’s no surprise that the market for family SUVs has expanded rapidly, with more options offering advanced safety features, generous interior space, excellent fuel efficiency, and cutting-edge technology. Although different families have different priorities: driving to school, weekend getaways, or tackling both urban roads and off-road trails, there’s definitely a vehicle for every need. In this article, we’ll explore not only the best SUV car for family use but also what to consider in terms of features. We’ve also curated the best SUVs for families in New South Wales, which you can consider to match your family’s lifestyle, budget, and itinerary.
What Makes an SUV the Best Family Car?
When considering the top SUV for family use, several key factors need to be considered so you’re sure it suits the diverse needs of your growing household.
1. Interior Space and Comfort
When you’re travelling with your kids, comfort is key. The spacious interior of an SUV ensures that your family can spread out on hour-long journeys, with enough legroom and headroom for passengers of all sizes. Driver seats are generally spacious. But focus on the second and third rows. For larger families, vehicles with three rows of seats, such as the Mazda CX-9 or the Kia Sorento GT Line, are great options. With ample legroom, these seven-seat models provide enough space for kids and adults alike.
You can also look for one that has adjustable seating in the front seats and rear seats, as well as a generous boot space. The ability to adjust the seating and fold down the third row creates more cargo space for luggage or groceries. Consider SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan X Trail which are both renowned for their practical interiors that can easily adapt to your family’s dynamic needs.
2. Safety Features
To find the best family cars, put safety first. Families in New South Wales understand how crucial it is to choose an SUV with a five-star safety rating. From active safety systems such as autonomous emergency braking to rear cross-traffic alert, curtain airbag coverage and rear parking sensors, these modern features are not just for showing off but are built-in to ensure that every passenger is well protected.
Advanced systems, including high beam assist, adaptive cruise control, and active cruise control, make long trips far less stressful by keeping the vehicle’s speed and brakes automatically based on the distance from surrounding vehicles.
Some SUVs also come with entertainment features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, that enable seamless connectivity while driving. Very useful for company car drivers who need to stay connected on the go, these add-ons are also great for families because they offer easy integration for music, navigation, and communication.
3. Fuel Efficiency and Fuel Economy
Different families have different routes. Commuting to work, taking the kids to school, or going on weekend getaways, are just a few of the many journeys your SUV will be taking on everyday! That’s why fuel efficiency should be high on your list of priorities, too. Traditional petrol engines have been improving in terms of fuel consumption, but many Australians are now opting for plug-in hybrid models and electric SUVs that offer both great fuel economy and lower environmental impact.
The Mazda CX and Hyundai Santa Fe, for instance, both come in hybrid variants that give families the option of fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains. These models include hybrid drivetrain features which provide an excellent combination of performance and fuel savings. Making them ideal for both long trips or city commuting. Newer SUVs also boast of electric motors for a fuel-efficient driving experience that also give an option for electric-only range that you can optimize for short trips.
With the growing hybrid markets interested in electric SUVs or hybrid systems, you will definitely find one that suits your family’s preference. From the Hyundai Tucson to the Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-30, a handful of models are now designed to keep fuel costs low, ideal for both eco-conscious families and those looking to stay within their budget’s lane.
4. Technology and Convenience
Aside from the safety features mentioned earlier, modern family cars are also packed with tech features for ease and comfort. So when looking for the best family SUVs, make sure it has the following basic tech add-ons:
- A head-up display will help drivers keep their eyes on the road by displaying essential information, such as speed and navigation directions, on the windshield.
- Heated seats that are perfect for cold morning drives and available in both the front seats and rear seats.
- Heated steering wheels are also nice to have for enhanced comfort during colder months, perfect for very early mornings and winter driving.
- Parking sensors for maneuvering your family car into tight spaces, particularly in busy urban settings.
- Rear autonomous emergency braking effectively prevents accidents by automatically applying the brakes when it detects an object or vehicle behind you.
5. Off-Road Ability
In New South Wales, let’s not forget the terrain. Home to a diverse range of landscapes, from urban areas to rugged rural terrain, families in the area often enjoy weekend off-road trips or holidays in the country. That’s why it’s best to get an SUV that can handle all kinds of paths and dirt roads. Consider the off-road ability of your SUV so you’re always prepared to take the family for adventures beyond the city limits.
The Nissan X Trail and Kia Sorento GT Line are good options for families who like to head off such beaten paths. Boasting of features like all-wheel drive systems and active safety systems, these car models are crafted for challenging road conditions and off-road trails. They’re great considerations for seven-seat SUVs that can carry your family with excellent driving dynamics to ensure a smooth ride both on and off-road.
The Best SUVs for Families in New South Wales
Now that we’ve covered some of the essential features you should consider when choosing your family SUV, here are some honourable mentions to help set your expectations once you’re ready to choose the perfect model for you and your family:
1. Hyundai Santa Fe
A standout in the family SUV category, the Hyundai Santa Fe boasts of seven-seat models and a spacious interior. It offers plenty of room for families, being one of the best family SUVs on the market today. Whether you’re looking for a petrol powered engine or a more environmentally friendly hybrid powertrain, the Santa Fe offers both options.
The Santa Fe is packed with safety features mentioned above, such as rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, it features head-up display and wireless Apple CarPlay that make driving convenient and fun for both the driver and passengers.
2. Mazda CX-9
For families who are looking for interior quality that comes with stylish exterior, the Mazda CX-9 is a top contender. The Mazda CX-9 offers one of the most luxurious and comfortable cabins in the SUV category, with stand-out third-row seating and a practical yet well-designed interior space. This SUV is a great idea for larger families who are looking for a seven-seat SUV.
The Mazda CX-9 also features active cruise control, rear autonomous emergency braking, and fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrain functions that add confidence to your drive. With a combination of safety, practicality, and performance, this is definitely one of the best options for families in New South Wales.
3. Kia Sorento GT Line
The Kia Sorento GT Line offers a combination of style, technology, and space. The seven-seat model provides huge cargo space and a comfortable driving experience for the entire family. It also features a plug-in hybrid option for fuel efficiency that does not sacrifice power or performance.
Equipped with all the latest safety features, it has adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors which makes the Kia Sorento GT Line one of the best SUV for young families who prioritise safety, reliability, and efficiency in a car.
4. Nissan X Trail
The Nissan X Trail is also a compact yet versatile contender among family SUVs. Its blend of fuel economy and off-road ability, available in seven-seat configurations, makes this model perfect for larger families. The Nissan X Trail also features active safety systems such as autonomous emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
For NSW families looking for a practical and affordable family car, the Nissan X Trail offers a great balance of features and value for your money.
5. Toyota Kluger
If you’re seeking a reliable, practical family SUV, the Toyota Kluger may be the SUV for you. Known for its fuel efficiency and excellent interior space, the Kluger offers seven-seat models perfect for growing families. Its hybrid system ensures you get impressive fuel efficiency and plenty of power when necessary.
Also equipped with active safety systems, including rear parking sensors, rear autonomous emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, the Kluger is designed with your family’s safety in mind.
Conclusion
Like every family task, finding the best SUV for families can be both overwhelming and fulfilling. Once you find that perfect seven-seat SUV with extra cargo space, great fuel efficiency, and modern safety and tech features, it’s going to be just great memories and adventures ahead.
From the Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Santa Fe, to the Kia Sorento GT Line and Nissan X Trail, the best family cars and their spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and responsive control are great investments to highlight family life as fuel for your drive.
